Indoor Allergies

Indoor Allergies

Cooler temperatures have ushered in the fall season with so many families ready to throw open the windows! If you do let some fresh air in, you are also letting outdoor allergens into your home.

Wash all bedding at least once a week in hot water, around 130 degrees.

Cooler temperatures have ushered in the fall season with so many families ready to throw open the windows! If you do let some fresh air in, you are also letting outdoor allergens into your home. Combine outdoor allergens with indoor allergens, you have the perfect storm for allergy sufferers.

There are many allergens in our homes that we may not even see like dust mites, mold and pet dander. I have a few steps to help you control indoor allergies.

Begin by encasing your child’s mattress, pillow and box spring in allergy proof covers that zip up. You can find these at most department stores.

Wash all bedding at least once a week in hot water, around 130 degrees. Try to de-clutter your child’s bed of stuffed animals, and just have one favorite bedtime pal. Throw it in the wash at least once a week as well.

If you have hardwood or tile floors instead of carpeting you have already eliminated a lot of the dust mite problem as carpeting harbors all sorts of dust and dander.

We all love our pets but they shed, especially at this time of year. Their paws and fur may bring in outdoor pollen. Try wiping your pet down with a dryer sheet and it will not only reduce pet dander but will help to remove any loose pollen from their coat as well.

Lastly, check your air filters. Try to do this every few months this will prevent. This will prevent dusty air from circulating throughout your home.

I’m Dr. Sue with The Kid’s Doctor helping parents take charge.

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Dr. Sue Hubbard is an award winning pediatrician and medical editor for www.kidsdr.com. She is a native of Washington, D.C. who travelled south to attend the University of Texas at Austin and never left.Read More